Hi!  

My name is Amy, and I would love to care for your dog or cat, fish, bird or small (or large!) pet when you cannot, just the way you want it done!  

I have had large dogs for the last 20 years, but currently I do not have a dog.

This is why I so sincerely want to provide this love I have for dogs, to help YOU! I would love to give your dog or cat what you usually give him/her when you cannot.

I have trained all of the dogs I have owned and learned from some great trainers. (one Rotti/Shepherd mix "Mojo", a white shepherd "Kaia", and Shiloh Sheherd Renny) I have dealt with and worked through fear aggression and leash aggression. I am confident dealing with with most types of dog misbehaviour (leash pulling, leash aggression) and I am happy to find a place to walk dogs with these issues where we will see no other dogs, guaranteed!  

As for my love of felines...

When I was in graduate school, 25 years ago, I volunteered for a local cat rescue organization. I went out with traps and responded to the calls the group was getting of abandoned cats and kittens. One day during this time, a woman with a large number of cats passed away, and a local cat rescue group was looking for someone to live with and care for them. She had left her estate to her 26 cats. There were 4 animal rescue groups operating at that time in Victoria, and they are still all operating today. All four of these organizations put my name forward as the person who should care for these cats. This was an honour and recognition for my hard work and compassion for stray and abandoned cats in the Greater Victoria area. (I have included a couple of pictures from this time in my Gallery). When I had children, I brought them with me to many of these volunteering events; building warm shelters and feeding stations for feral colonies, socializing feral kittens, taking part in fun fund raising activities, all for the non profits. Of course my kids are animal lovers as well.

It goes without saying that I would love to meet your cat. I can find a way to meet any cat, even if they are extremely shy and have never met another soul. 

I am happy to stay at your home and be with them, or do regular visits, whatever you prefer. In some cases (i.e. if your cat is okay with other friendly cats) I could board your cat at my home. I do have several bedrooms if a private suite is needed.

Farm Animals

I am an experienced farm sitter and have references. I can milk both goats and cows. When my kids were growing up I was part of a cow share. I milked a Jersey cow twice a week in exchange for the milk. With cows I am familiar with milking machines, and with goats, hand milking. I take care of a sheep farm every August which requires herding and feeding/watering sheep. I often take care of neighbours' chickens and can handle them if needed.

Small animals

I'm an experienced aquarist (fresh & brackish). Have kept frogs and insects, not a problem leave them with me.

Plants

Experienced gardener and houseplant keeper